BLANDFORD 116 (1pt) lost to Dorchester 117-1 (20pts) by nine wickets

DORCHESTER maintained their unbeaten start to the new season with a comprehensive nine-wicket drubbing of Blandford.

The visitors were skittled for a meagre 116 at the Rec, thanks largely to another impressive display from Dorset paceman Dan Belt (4-35), and the county town outfit comfortably chased down their target with Dave Maslen (65 not out) and Adam Rendell (45 not out) putting on a fine partnership of 112.

Although delighted with the win, which keeps his side at the top of the Dorset Premier League table, captain Martyn Richards feels there is still room for improvement.

He said: “In reflection the key contributions for us were the impact of Dan, who can seemingly make the cricket ball do whatever he wants, and then the partnership of Adam and Dave who make batting look incredibly easy at times.

“It was far from a perfect performance, we gave away a lot of extras (29) which could hurt us in closer games, but the boys are committed to working hard.

“We’re up there averaging 20 points and can’t wait to get to Wayfarers next week and look to get another win under our belts.”

Richards added: “Dan was in terrific form, he bowled with pace and hostility and on another day could’ve claimed more wickets.

“Rob Waite took time to find his rhythm but when he found his range he was hard to score off and took two wickets. Phil Morley struggled to find his line but bowled some unplayable deliveries and also claimed two vital wickets.

“Although we lost Rob in reply, Dave and Adam put on a superb partnership of 112 and ensured we took maximum points from what could’ve proved to be a tricky run chase.”

Dorchester may have won the toss but their opponents made a solid start to proceedings.

However, the breakthrough arrived 28 runs in when seam bowler James Dunham (1-19) struck, trapping J Woodruff (8) leg before.

Belt then stepped up to the plate with a devastating spell as wickets began to fall at regular intervals.

Having enjoyed a large slice of luck earlier in the innings, M Shepherd (16), who survived a run out opportunity and was also put down off Belt’s delivery, saw his good fortune come to an end courtesy of Rob Waite (2-27).

Phil Morley (2-29) also chipped in as Dorchester sought an early conclusion to the Blandford charge, before Krish Subramanian (1-1) clean bowled Stuart Robbins (5) to complete a miserable innings for the away side.

The county town reply suffered an early blow when Waite fell for a duck.

Luckily, fellow opener Maslen and number three Rendell formed an impenetrable barrier and sealed victory with nine wickets and 24.1 overs to spare.